One Ethernet Hardware – any Industrial Ethernet Network

New Ethernet solution from HMS Industrial Networks makes it possible for device manufacturers to download the industrial Ethernet protocol of choice to standardized Ethernet hardware from HMS.

HMS Industrial Networks now releases “Anybus CompactCom for Common Ethernet” – a communication solution which includes an Ethernet hardware that is loadable with PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP or Ethernet POWERLINK.

This brings full flexibility to device manufacturers, who can simply download the desired industrial Ethernet protocol to a CompactCom chip, brick or module before delivery to the customer.

Comes in three different form factors

Launched as part of the Anybus CompactCom 40-series, the Common Ethernet solution is available in three different form factors depending on the required level of integration to the host device: Chip, brick or module, all loadable in the same standardized way.

“As the industrial network market moves towards industrial Ethernet, the CompactCom Common Ethernet solution instantly becomes a key component in our offering. It makes life easier for device manufacturers, since they do not have to stock finalized CompactCom products for different industrial Ethernet networks – instead they can simply download the network protocol that corresponds to customer orders to our standardized Common Ethernet hardware,” comments Leif Malmberg, Product Line Manager, for embedded products at HMS.

“Since the module is built on proven Anybus CompactCom technology powered by the Anybus NP40 network processor, customers will also get instant access to the entire CompactCom family with one implementation project. This means access to any fieldbus and industrial Ethernet network by simply plugging in another Anybus module.”

Supports IT functions

The Common Ethernet concept supports IT functions by default, meaning that it can be used as an Ethernet TCP/IP solution if the user wants to develop connectivity to a proprietary Ethernet network.

Firmware Manager included

By using the accompanying Firmware Manager software, users can easily download firmware for their network of choice. It is also possible to use FTP or the application interface for downloading firmware.

The Anybus CompactCom 40-series – for demanding applications

Built on the award-winning NP40 network processor from HMS, the Anybus CompactCom 40-series is designed to meet the demands of high-performance industrial Ethernet applications and therefore enables fast communication between the host device and the chosen network – 1500 bytes of process data in each direction. The 40-series comes in chip, brick and module formats which enables customers to select the right level if integration without the need for customization.

What is Anybus CompactCom?

Anybus CompactCom is a series of industrial network interfaces which are integrated into an industrial device to offer connectivity to different industrial networks. CompactCom comes in chip, brick or module format, allowing the user to choose level of integration.

By implementing Anybus CompactCom, device manufacturers can achieve instant connectivity to 20 industrial networks by simply plugging in the corresponding Anybus product. This opens new business opportunities for the device manufacturers and widens their market considerably.